Romdeng is a restaurant in Phnom Penh Cambodia which is part of the “Friends” alliance which staffs former street kids and teachers. Set in a beautiful colonial style setting with tables, chairs, lights, and wooden carvings all made in Cambodia.

However, this restaurant was also chosen for its ‘interesting’ menu.

Sorry for the squirmish people. For the adventerous – please keep reading.So, most people ask what is it like eating something so many of us have phobias of?

Taste: Close to fish

Texture: Wasn’t hairy tasting. Not as crunchy as the one I had on the streets in Siem Reap though. I prefered that much more.

Hot Lemon Grass Tea. Very refreshing.

Tree ant and beef stir fry. I didn’t think much of this, it just tasted like another regular beef stir fry, and nothing unique. My friend did note a licorice type taste.

Ice-cream with fruit. Very refreshing.

Overall with the experience. The food was okay (what I chose anyway). The decor is lovely, the service is on point, and the swimming pool looks tempting.

I had high expectations of a restaurant like Malis after reading all the reviews. The ambiance, decor, setting, and attention to menu detail – could not be faulted. The food was also great. The service was good. However, as with fine dining establishments, it had a certain air of snobbishness/pretentiousness about it. Although the service was good, it was a little robotic, as is the same case with the food unfortunately. Sure, it was cooked well, but it lacked character and flavour. I had high expectations, and wanted to write a good review, but Malis fell short, just.

Jaan Bai literally translates to Bowl (Jaan) rice (Bai), so in essence rice bowl, and if there is any place you should in Cambodia it is definitely this one.

Sure, it isn’t as gritty and local and is packed with “Barang” (foreigner) as the locals say, but the food here certainly is on a different level.

Also quoting their website “provides skills and employment for youth in our programs, with all profits going to the overall sustainability of Cambodian Children’s Trust.” So you will be feeling wonderful, warm fuzzies at the end of your meal too 🙂

Kampot Pepper Crab with Chilli Jam. Absolutely devine.

Stick rice, green mango, and coconut.

Restaurant is located in Battambang, about a few hours from Siem Reap by Bus.

To kick 2016 off I will be posting a handful of the weird, interesting, and wonderful places I experienced on a recent trip to South East Asia. Enjoy!

First place is called Crystal Angkor. Tuck into a traditional Cambodian dinner and enjoy a traditional Cambodian Aspara performance at the same time. I would suggest taking a Tuk Tuk to get there, and to not get there too early. It is a little on the expensive side in comparison to everything else in Cambododia.

Morning Glory Salad.

Pumpkin Soup with coconut.

Amok in the Banana leaves on the left. Can’t remember what was on the right.